Patio Plants for South Louisiana

Although plants of tropical origin are not able to survive the cooler temperatures of Louisiana winters, many of these plants do well as container plants on patios, and thrive in the warm and humid conditions of the summers in the southern part of the state. The plants can be enjoyed outside during the warmer months, and moved inside during the winter months for protection from frost or freezing, if necessary.

Lantana

Recommended as a patio plant for Louisiana by the Southern University Extension Center, lantana (Lantana camera) is a heat-loving plant native to the tropics. Available in trailing and upright growth habits, lantana will flower throughout the summer. It can grow up to 6 feet high, depending on the cultivar. Potted lantana is usually available at Louisiana garden centers in late spring. It does best in full sun, and needs moist but not overly wet soil.

Hibiscus

Hibicus (Hibiscis rosa sinensis), a native of southern China, does well as a summer patio plant in the warm, humid climate of southern Louisiana. According to the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, it is one of the most popular plants grown in Louisiana. It does well as a container plant and provides continuous blooms from the spring through the fall. Hibiscus is available in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, pink, salmon and red. The flowers are up to 6 inches in diameter and very showy. Hibiscus requires a sunny location, and must be kept in moist but not overly wet soil.

Ixora

Ixora (Ixora coccinea) is a dense, multi-branched evergreen shrub with a rounded form. It can reach up to 12 feet in height and blooms with 2- to 6-inch-wide clusters of scarlet, orange, yellow, pink or white flowers throughout the season. Native to tropical southeast Asia, ixora adapts to the southern Louisiana climate easily. It does best in full sun and should be watered to keep the soil moist.